Monthly Archives: May 2015

If we look at the Learning Spectrum, in the Exploring Stage, we recognize that we are at the beginning stages of learning the success criteria and benchmarks for angles. In the Standard Stage, we recognize that we have learned and demonstrated all of the requirements and success criteria for the task. In the Extending Stage, we recognize we can extend our learning by adding our own appropriate success criteria to the task.

Take a look at how the blueprint below went from the Standard Stage to the Extending Stage. What is the new Success Criteria that has been demonstrated.

Task #1 – Create a character
This task is leading up to creating your very own blue print designs. Today you will create a cartoon character blue print that you could either build a model of or digitize. You will need to evidence your work by sharing a picture on this post or putting the picture on your own blog. Please share your link with me.

Learning Goal
I am learning how to…
-construct, lines and shapes such as triangles and rectangular prisms
-communicate and share my mathematical thinking with a larger audience using available technologies

Success Criteria
I can…
-use graph paper
-use a protractor
-use a variety of obtuse, acute and right angles
-be precise by only using angles on the tens, 45 degree angles and 135 degree angles
-measure and label all angles
-have a friend use a protractor to show that all of my angles are precise and correct.

Here are some examples in progress. Identify the success criteria that is evident.

Learning in the classroom is an essential and time-honored aspect of the educational experience. We have all sat in the classroom, working on our writing and math, looking out the window – on a beautiful day, wondering what was happening outside. Well one beautiful day in May we decided to take the classroom outside to Dundas Valley Conservation Area for some much need experiential learning.

For as long as I have taught with HWDSB I have been venturing out to Dundas Valley Conservation Area to work with my friends Beth Stormont of the Hamilton Conservation Authority and Sandy Root of Down to Earth Environmental Education. My very first experience teaching in the natural environment was with Sandy. We began working together way back in 1996 when I was hired by her as a camp counselor for Canterbury Hills Camp. Her message has always been consistent – ‘learn and explore the world in which we live.’ She has always discussed the need to learn about natural habits and the need to conserve them for future generations.

In school we can learn about the science and biology of animals through text books. We can learn about conservation and the need to reduce our environmental footprint by watching documentaries, but until you smell, see, and touch the beauty of the environment around you it’s difficult to fully understand and put into practice true environmental stewardship.

When we arrived on May 8 we greeted by Sandy and visited the new classroom found next door to Dundas Valley Trail Center. We had the opportunity to view various specimens and artifacts. We spent a great deal of time learning about the breeding grounds of salamanders and the importance of protecting their habits. Our lesson culminated in venturing to the small vernal pools where we conducted a salamander rescue project and the results were inspiring…

Congratulations to all of the chess participants at HWDSB hosted by Dundas Central and tournament organizer Mr. Rob Bell. We are so lucky at HWDSB to have such diverse competitive interscholastic programs.

It was a pleasure to catch up with my former team, Cardinal Heights. Congratulations to Idriss Benis who will play a round robin tournament later next week to decide the top three finishers.

The Winona Wildcats had a tremendous day. We had two top Twenty finishers: Shayan Saggu and Petar Klisuric. We had many other players the moved deep into the playoff rounds. Many of our players are in the junior grades and are looking forward to many more years of competition. Congratulations to all of the Winona Wildcat Iron Chess members.

Students have just begun the stage of receiving feedback about their art pieces. Many students have engaged in the process that we like to refer to as the ‘hot seat’ to get feedback from friends. Students give each other constructive feedback and may choose whether or not to act upon that feedback. The result : engaging and unique art pieces created by each student..

Carter is deep in thought contemplating his next addition to his piece…